"You are HEROES in our story."

The Power of Story in Communicating with Donors

Using the elements of story that he learned in our new Donor Communications/Power of Story Workshop, Lubbock Area Director Glenn Austell made the above video to thank the donors at his banquet.

Glenn learned in Dallas that story is the most powerful form of communication that the brain understands. When we position our donors as heroes in kids stories (which they are!), Young Life becomes the guide to invite our donors into an identity transformation and help them win the day. As a result, lives are changed for eternity, we help them become a part of a bigger story, leave a legacy, and be good stewards of all that God has given.

Do you struggle to communicate effectively and clearly with donors? Are your email blasts and newsletters being read or are they quickly trashed or deleted? Last fall I attended author Donald Miller’s (Blue Like Jazz) StoryBrand Marketing conference in Nashville (www.storybrand.com). What I learned revolutionized how I communicated both Young Life and Young Life Access to donors and staff. Over the last few months I’ve shared what I’ve learned in with staff in Dallas, the Service Center, the Development Department and every US Division.

Consider joining us in Dallas for our next Donor Communications/Power of Story Workshop and I’ll share how Miller’s unique framework for communications can help staff with their emails, newsletters, donor solicitation letters, social media, elevator pitches, and banquet talks. Since our group will be small, you’ll have time to work with other staff on your own area’s story which will serve as a framework for you future communications.